The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pair fruity riesling with takeout and a movie for weeknight treat
Two wines from Washington state highlight this week's recommendations: We have a luscious barbera to pair with fall meat dishes, and an affordable, fruity riesling for weeknight takeout. Seafood lovers will enjoy comparing two expressions of the albariño grape from the northwestern corner of the Iberian peninsula. And fans of top Bordeaux white wines should check out this outstanding sauvignon blanc from Napa Valley.
Casa Smith Cervo Barbera Northridge Vineyard 2017: three stars; Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Wash., $23
Casa Smith is a line of wines made from Italian grape varieties in Washington state's Columbia Valley. The Smith is Charles Smith, producer of K Vintners' syrahs and the popular Kung Fu Girl Riesling. This barbera is outstanding, rich with cherry and plum and a lovely, lingering savory note of wild herbs and mushrooms. Pair with grilled or braised meats to take the edge off autumn's chill. Alcohol by volume: 15 percent.
ZD Sauvignon Blanc 2019: three stars; Napa Valley, Calif., $29
When I taste a wine like ZD's sauvignon blanc, I wish Napa Valley hadn't gone all in for cabernet. Here is impressive intensity, with flavors of quince, Asian pear and star fruit, plus a splash of key lime to bring it home. Fans of top white Bordeaux from Graves, which can cost considerably more than this, should take note. Organic, though the heavy bottle is not particularly eco-friendly. ABV: 13.5 percent.
Pazo de Villarei Albariño 2017: two and a half stars; Rias Baixas, Spain, $17
Albariño, best known from northwestern Spain and northern Portugal, where it is called Alvarinho, tends to emphasize either a fruity or minerally character. The distinction can be subtle. The Pazo de Villarei falls on the former side, with exuberant flavors of ripe apricots and peaches. It speaks of the sun. ABV: 13 percent.
Morgado da Vila Alvarinho 2019: two and a half stars; Minho, Portugal, $18
This Morgado da Vila Alvarinho leans to the minerally expression of the grape. The sensation is more of rock and stone, with fruit in the background. With more time in bottle, the fruit flavors may grow more prominent. Right now, though, this wine speaks of the earth. ABV: 13 percent.
Lewis & Clark Riesling Zillah Ranch 2019: two stars; Yakima Valley, Wash., $12 (great value)
Here's a good, straightforward riesling at an affordable price. It's off-dry but not sweet — the fruit and the acidity balance each other out. This is a good wine to pair with Asian takeout and a movie. ABV: 12 percent.
Ratings: 3 stars: Exceptional; 2 stars: Excellent; 1 star: Very good. Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.